Taco Bell, the American fast-food restaurant chain, is set to experiment with its latest range of frozen coffees and shakes for a limited time in California.
Drawing inspiration from Mexican flavors, Coffee Chillers and Churro Chillers will undergo testing as exclusive menu items in two Californian cities starting December 15, 2023.
Coffee Chillers will be offered at the company store located on Santa Margarita Parkway in Mission Viejo, while Churro Chillers will be available at the Barranca Parkway store in Irvine.
Presented in a 16oz cup, Coffee Chillers will feature an infused flavor, filled with blended iced coffee, and topped with a layer of cold foam. The available flavors for Coffee Chillers include Mexican Chocolate, Caramel Churro, and Spiced Vanilla.
The Churro Chiller, too, will come in a 16oz cup with an infused flavor. It will be filled with a blended sweet shake, complemented by cold foam, and adorned with churro crumbles as toppings. The available flavors for the Churro Chiller include Mexican Chocolate, Dulce de Leche Coffee, Wild Strawberry, and Sweet Vanilla.
The restaurant brand will also introduce a Sweet Vanilla Churro Chiller featuring a distinctive purple hue.
Taco Bell US chief marketing officer Taylor Montgomery stated, “We’re always pushing the boundaries to deliver the bold and crave-able Mexican-inspired flavours our fans have come to expect from us, and these frozen drinks showcase how far our innovation goes.
“We are constantly listening to what our fans are craving next and we are thrilled to offer them a frozen creation that’s just as delicious and desirable as their favourite menu item.”
In early December 2023, Taco Bell brought back its Double Decker Taco for the holiday season, offering this special treat for a limited time at all of its stores across the country.
The Double Decker Taco comes with exclusive digital deals for a limited time.
CD&R has reached an agreement to acquire Shearer’s from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) fund for an undisclosed amount. Initial reports had suggested that the buy-out deal for Shearer’s could potentially be valued at $3 billion.
In August, initial indications surfaced that the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) was considering the possibility of selling Shearer’s, a private-label snack maker and co-manufacturer based in Ohio.
Confirming a deal had been struck yesterday (13 December), John Compton, CD&R operating partner and a former CEO of PepsiCo North America, said, “We have deep admiration and respect for Shearer’s, a leading business that shares our core values in a sector and operating model we know and understand well.”
CD&R partner JL Zrebiec added, “We have strong conviction in the differentiated manufacturing capabilities and category management the company provides and our goal is to support the team in further scaling operations and capturing the many opportunities ahead to better serve Shearer’s customers.”
Shearer’s CEO Mark McNeil said, “As Shearer’s enters a new phase of growth, we are excited to be joined by a team with the experience, expertise and resources to support our mission of producing high-quality, innovative and delicious snacks that we are proud to serve to our families, friends, customers and retailers.”
In addition to manufacturing private-label snacks and cookies, Shearer’s Foods, established in the early 1900s, engages in the co-manufacturing of a diverse range of products such as crisps, tortillas, popcorn, and pork rinds. The company is also involved in the production of organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO kosher salty snacks, featuring items like kettle-cooked potato crisps, cheese curls, and extruded snacks.
The corporation operates 17 manufacturing facilities spanning the United States and Canada.
After making its initial investment in Shearer’s in 2012, OTPP expanded its stake in 2015 by acquiring additional shares from private-equity firm Wind Point Partners. This move granted the pension fund majority ownership of Shearer’s.
On its exit from the business, Raymond Shiu, OTPP’s managing director for private capital, said, “Over the past decade, we have been proud to partner with the Shearer’s management team as it established itself as a market leader in North America for private-label and contract manufactured salty snacks, cookies and crackers. Shearer’s has achieved this position by consistently delivering high-quality and innovative products, while expanding its market presence.”
CD&R operates as a privately owned entity with its partners, maintaining offices in both New York and London.
The firm invests in a diverse array of industries, encompassing industrial, healthcare, consumer, technology, and financial services end markets.
US-based freeze-dried food producer Thrive Foods has recently acquired the Canadian pet food company Canature for an undisclosed fee.
As part of the agreement, Thrive Foods will acquire a freeze-drying facility located near Vancouver, Canada. Additionally, the deal includes obtaining “a core competency in front-end wet processing” from Canature.
Established in 2010 and based in Langley, British Columbia, Canature specializes in the production of freeze-dried pet food, pet treats, and ingredients, operating under the brand names NutriBites, UBite, and Hoopla.
Thrive Foods produces freeze-dried items such as fruits, vegetables, and pet food. The company is supported by Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (E2P), a private-equity firm based in Chicago that concentrates on the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Additionally, it receives backing from Mubadala Capital, the asset management subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company.
The company operates facilities in California, Utah, New York, and Wisconsin, along with locations in Germany and Peru.
Gary Xu, the founder and CEO of Canature, said, “We have long admired Thrive’s success in the freeze-dried industry and believe significant value and synergy will be generated by combining the capabilities of our teams.
“E2P and Mubadala Capital have a successful history of partnering with family-held businesses and entrepreneurs and we believe they will provide us with the necessary support and expertise to achieve Canature’s next phase of growth within Thrive.”
Steve Palmer, CEO of Thrive Foods, stated that the agreement would “enhance our capacities in the pet food sector, bringing in a multitude of new customers and channels.”
He added, “Canature’s focus on the pet space makes this a transformative move for Thrive.”
Ryan Schweet, E2P partner said, “This partnership with Gary Xu and his team represents a highly strategic opportunity that will better enable us to service growing global demand for freeze-dried pet products.”
This acquisition represents the third transaction for Thrive Foods following the initial merger of Thrive Foods and Mercer Foods in December 2021.
In June, Thrive Foods acquired Groneweg Group, also recognized as Freeze-Dry Foods, a worldwide producer and distributor of freeze- and air-dried ingredients.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, E2P made two investments. In July, the private-equity firm acquired the baked goods group MBC Companies without disclosing financial details. Preceding that, it expanded its portfolio by adding Canadian garlic bread producer Furlani Foods.
Pernod Ricard has launched The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky, marking the first Chinese-produced whisky from the French giant.
The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky undergoes distillation and bottling at Pernod Ricard China’s whisky distillery in Emeishan, Sichuan Province. Crafted from a blend of European and Chinese barley, the malt whisky is then refined in locally sourced Chinese single oak casks.
“As a leading international spirits group, we are committed to proactively responding to the burgeoning enthusiasm and diversified demands of Chinese consumers,” Jerome Cottin-Bizonne, the CEO of Pernod Ricard’s operations in China said.
Under the new brand, the company is presenting three distinct products. The “core” whisky will be available for purchase at 888 yuan ($124). Additionally, Pernod will introduce a second whisky, which has been finished in a PX cask, with a price tag of 1,119 yuan. For enthusiasts seeking a personalized touch, a “bottle your own” version will be offered at 1,488 yuan.
Over the 12 months ending in June, Pernod Ricard witnessed a 17% increase in net sales from its Asia/Rest of World reporting unit. Alexandre Ricard, the Chairman and CEO of the owner of Martell Cognac, attributed this “excellent, broad-based growth” to notable contributions from India, China, Turkey, and a rebound in the travel-retail channel.
Martell was the driving force behind the growth in China, accompanied by robust momentum for Absolut and Jameson, according to Alexandre Ricard.
In total, Pernod Ricard experienced a 13% increase in annual net sales, reaching €12.14 billion ($13.19 billion). Profit from recurring operations saw an 11% rise, reaching €3.35 billion, while net profit showed a 12% increase, reaching €2.28 billion.
China is emerging as a crucial arena for Western whisky distillers. In 2021, Diageo disclosed intentions to establish a single-malt whisky distillery in the southern Yunnan province.
Last month, Cognac house Camus and baijiu producer Anhui Gujing Group embarked on a partnership to create a whisky with “Chinese characteristics.” Initiating the venture, the companies are currently constructing a $30 million distillery in Anhui province. The Guqi distillery project, which commenced earlier in the same month, is anticipated to reach completion by 2025.
Meanwhile, Pernod Ricard manages an additional production facility in China through its Helan Mountain Winery located in Ningxia in the northern region of the country.
At present, one of the most rapidly growing sections in grocery stores is organic food, experiencing sales at an enormous rate, and products flying off the shelves like snowflakes in a winter storm. But what comes to mind when you hear the word organic? It could be associated with aligning one’s diet with seasonal foods, the wellness industry, or environmentally conscious choices. On the other hand, one could argue that it is too costly and sometimes, out of reach. Regardless of your perspective, having complete knowledge empowers you to make the right choices. As you explore this expanding section on the aisles, it becomes crucial to understand the meaning of organic and how to maximise the value of what you’re purchasing.
So why has organic food been so popular recently? Part of it can be attributed to efforts that have been made by people and organisations who are conscious of the impact they have on the environment, but it took a larger turn only during, and a massive rise after the pandemic. A lot of people started purchasing organic food in an effort to strengthen their immunity and stay well. Additionally, a great deal of focus and investigation has been given to the nutritional and environmental benefits of eating food farmed organically.
What Exactly Is Organic Food?
For any food, to be certified organic, it must meet the following requirements:
Should not have been grown using synthetic fertilisers, synthetic pesticides or sewage sludge
Should not have been genetically modified (No GMOs)
Animals must have been fed with organic- grown feed, without animal byproducts
Animals shouldn’t have been treated with synthetic hormones and antibiotics
Animals must have had access to outdoors and/or pasture
Specific soil and water quality should have been maintained.
Getting a clear picture of what goes on behind the scenes on organic farms definitely is a step forward, but it might not convince everyone to make an effort to eat as organically as possible. I’d say, do it for a multitude of reasons. In a nutshell, it is healthier for the environment and your body.
Eating Habits That Endanger Your Heart Health
Before we can be very forward in drawing a conclusion about what organic foods can do to improve your heart health, it is important to address the fact that metabolic issues stand among the principal contributors to heart disease in modern society. With 38% of the world population classified as overweight, and nearly 10% falling in the obese category, the root of the problem lies in unhealthy food dynamics and a disturbed relationship with food, which includes overindulging in portions, eating processed food, and the dearth of fresh produce in many impoverished places.
In one of their recent research articles, the Huntington Heart Centre even said that “We must change the perception of a proper meal. If we were to reduce the rate of excess weight and obesity, even by a small amount, tens of thousands of lives would be prolonged or saved each year. The rates of heart disease would most certainly go down, as would many forms of cancer, let alone a myriad of lifestyle disorders.”.
Moreover, foods that are cultivated with synthetic pesticides and fertilisers may include traces of dangerous chemicals, which increase the risk of cardiac disease. Studies show that eating these meals often can lead to cardiac issues, high blood pressure, and blocked arteries.
What Does Organic Food Do To Improve Your Heart Health
Organic food, which is high in antioxidants and polyphenols, offers a strong barrier against any risks to human health. Antioxidants are essential for protecting our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that may otherwise cause the cardiovascular system to malfunction. Additionally, polyphenols guarantee that blood reaches the heart unhindered by atherosclerosis, a disorder marked by the hardening of arteries. A very important role here is played by the health of the soil. Organic food has been found to have a higher nutrient density because the soil it is grown in, is rich in nutrients instead of fertilisers and other forms of chemical compounds.
Omega-3 fatty acids are another element in organic food that supports heart health, which are abundantly found in organic dairy and meat products, and are essential for reducing blood pressure, averting blood clots, and reducing inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight is also part of supporting good heart health, and eating meat and dairy from ethical sources can help achieve the goal.
The Bottom Line
A robust and healthy heart is fundamental for overall well-being. Adopting a healthy lifestyle at any stage of life can act as a preventive measure against heart ailments, minimising the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Whether young or old, it’s never too early or too late to prioritise heart health. So make wise and healthy choices from a younger age ensures that you can reap the benefits for an extended period of your life.
Tim Hortons is set to launch 150 establishments in South Korea over the next five years, according to Yonhap.
The Canadian coffee brand revealed its first store in southern Seoul as part of the announcement.
Following its recent expansion into Singapore, South Korea will mark the seventh Asian country where the brand has established a presence. The brand has existing outlets in China, India, Thailand, Pakistan, and the Philippines as well.
CJ Foodville, the food service subsidiary of South Korea’s CJ Group and the operator of bakery brand Tous les Jours, announced on Thursday that it secured an investment of 70 billion won ($54 million) from the private equity firm Arges Private Equity.
In August, Arges PE was selected as the preferred negotiator for securing investment in CJ Foodville. The company is valued at 500 billion won ($373 million) in this fundraising round.
To facilitate this investment, CJ Foodville conducted a third-party allotment of 1.29 million new shares to Arges PE. Arges PE now holds the position of the second-largest shareholder in CJ Foodville, possessing a 12.3% stake in the company.
CJ Foodville intends to use the newly acquired funds to strengthen the operations of its bakery chain “Tous les Jours” in North America.
The company achieved profitability in North America for five consecutive years until last year, following its transition to a profitable status in 2018.
In September, CJ Foodville announced its intention to build a new Tous Les Jours factory in Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia, USA. The facility is projected to have an annual production capacity exceeding 100 million items, encompassing Tous les Jours’ frozen dough and cakes.
Kent Ro, a pioneer in household RO purifiers, is expanding its product portfolio by venturing into the cookware segment. Drawing inspiration from the success of its Kuhl BLDC fans, Kent is poised to revolutionize the cookware industry with a strong emphasis on health and durability. Departing from conventional materials, Kent’s cookware lineup introduces triply and hard-anodized offerings, seamlessly combining the advantages of stainless steel and aluminum.
In a market predominantly dominated by steel, aluminum, and non-stick choices, Kent’s Healthy Cookware stands out with its innovative design. Constructed from Tri-Ply, stainless steel, and hard-anodized materials, it guarantees swift and consistent heating, featuring an aluminum layer for insulation from direct food contact. The initial lineup encompasses essential kitchen utensils like pressure cookers, kadais, pans, and tawas.
Kent remains dedicated to promoting health, consistent with its overarching philosophy across various product categories. Operating three state-of-the-art manufacturing plants, the company actively supports the “Make in India” initiative. Mahesh Gupta, Chairman of Kent, emphasizes the company’s commitment to innovation and delivering health-focused solutions to households in India.
With a commanding 40 percent market share in the RO segment and strong growth in BLDC ceiling fans, Kent foresees a significant 25-30 percent overall expansion, driven by its growing product portfolio. Venturing into cookware not only reiterates Kent’s dedication to domestically manufactured products but also underscores its intention to provide products uniquely tailored for the Indian market.
According to market research firms, the Indian kitchenware market, valued at $1,668.01 million in 2022, is positioned for expansion. It is expected to achieve a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.01 percent between 2023 and 2029, reaching a value of $1,992.45 million. Key factors driving this growth include an uptick in consumer consumption, a rise in per capita income, and an expanding population across diverse regions.
After his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mohan Yadav, the newly appointed chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, declared a ban on the open sale of meat and eggs.
“After the implementation of food safety rules, guidelines have been issued by the Government of India on the sale of meat and fish in the open. They will be strictly followed,” MP CM Yadav said while addressing a press conference in Bhopal.
Chief Minister Yadav stated that a campaign, involving the food department, police, and local urban bodies, will be launched to enforce the ban on the open sale of meat and fish from December 15 to 31.
Holding his first cabinet meeting after taking the oath of office, CM Yadav also issued a directive prohibiting the use of loudspeakers at religious places beyond permissible decibel levels.
A flying squad will be set up in each district to oversee the sound levels emanating from loudspeakers and DJ systems in religious establishments.
Furthermore, the cabinet resolved to elevate a minimum of one government college in each district to the status of a ‘PM College of Excellence,’ furnished with contemporary amenities like smart-class seminar halls and hostels, as per the chief minister. In the effort to address crime, Yadav directed police officials to ensure that individuals committing new offenses while on bail have their bail revoked and are incarcerated.
Governor Mangubhai C. Patel administered the oath of office to BJP’s recent selection, Mohan Yadav, on Wednesday at Bhopal’s Lal Parade Ground. Joining the ceremony, Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda took their oaths as deputy chief ministers, while former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar was sworn in as the Assembly Speaker.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and other BJP and allied parties’ state Chief Ministers, among others, were present at the venue.
Tim Hortons, the Canadian coffeehouse and restaurant chain, announced the opening of its 25th store in Punjab, according to a post by a company official on social media. Situated at The Outlet Village in Sangrur, this new highway store signifies Tim Hortons’ sixth presence in the state.
“Hello from Sangrur, Punjab as Tim Hortons India opens its 25th restaurant,” said Ravi Makwana, chief marketing officer at Tim Hortons India in a LinkedIn post.
“Was great to be in the mild winter of Punjab to open the 25th Tim Hortons in India. The love of our customers to the brand keeps increasing with every opening. Big thanks and grateful to the Tims mates working behind the counter day in day out to provide the signature Tim Hortons love and care,” he added.
Tim Hortons marked its entry into the state in January 2023, debuting with its first store at Sarabha Nagar in Ludhiana. The company then continued its expansion with subsequent openings in Mohali, Patiala, Bathinda, and Tehsil.
In August 2022, the cafe chain made its Indian debut by opening two outlets in the National Capital Region (NCR). The brand entered India through an exclusive master franchise agreement with AG Café, a joint venture entity jointly owned by the retail conglomerate Apparel Group and Gateway Partners, an emerging markets alternative investment manager.
At present, the coffee retailer has established its presence in cities such as Bengaluru, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Pune, Gurugram, Noida, Ludhiana, and Mumbai, contributing to the creation of over 500 direct employment opportunities, as mentioned in a previous press release.
Founded in 1964 by Canadian hockey players Tim Horton and Jim Charade, Tim Hortons is a multinational coffeehouse and restaurant chain headquartered in Toronto. Globally, the operations of Tim Hortons are overseen by Restaurant Brands International Inc., boasting a presence in over 5,100 restaurants across 15 countries.
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